whatever’s bugging you.
They’re not from Pennsylvania and they don’t eat wood.
Who named these things?
While the Pennsylvania wood cockroach (Parcoblatta pennsylvanica) gets its common name because it is a nuisance pest in Pennsylvania, it is thought to have migrated from Ontario, Canada. They can also be found throughout the eastern, southern, and midwestern states, including occasionally in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Only occasionally is a Pennsylvania wood cockroach a problem in our area. They are considered “accidental” home invaders because Pennsylvania wood cockroaches prefer to live and breed outdoors, in wooded areas.
Yet, finding one wandering around your home – or worse, flying around your home – will still get most people’s attention.
Adam’s Gets Rid of Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches Fast!
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Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach Treatment Options
One-time Roach Control
Adam’s licensed, Pest Management Professional (PMP) will use the most effective treatment protocol to exterminate roaches in your home, including the use of baits, insect growth regulators, and when needed, an EPA-approved residual insecticide applied directly into cracks and crevices where the roaches harbor. Your Adam’s PMP will also conduct a thorough inspection to locate the source of the roach infestation. Your assistance is necessary to eliminate roaches. Adam’s will provide instructions to prepare for the treatment that includes cleaning and sanitation to eliminate harborage and food sources. Adams one-time roach service is warranted for 3 months.
Premier Home Pest Prevention
Adam’s best value for prevention and control of common household pests, including cockroaches! Adam’s Premier Home Pest Prevention service provides year-round pest prevention of pests with a minimum of four visits throughout the year. Service visits include inspection and monitoring. And should a pest problem ever occur between scheduled visits, the plan includes additional treatments at no additional charge. This program includes common household pests like spiders, centipedes, sow bugs, and roaches; and seasonal pests like wasps, multicolored Asian lady beetles, ants, and mice.
More about Pennsylvania wood cockroaches:
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE PENNSYLVANIA WOOD COCKROACHES?
- Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are rare in our area. They are even rarer to find indoors.
- In states where they are more populous, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches can be seen at night climbing on the trunks of trees.
- Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are attracted to lights and may be seen at night near outdoor lights, especially lights located near woodlands.
WHERE SHOULD I LOOK FOR PENNSYLVANIA WOOD COCKROACHES?
- Outdoors, nymph and adult Pennsylvania wood cockroaches can be found beneath loose bark in woodpiles, stumps, and hollow trees.
- Buildings located within woods will sometimes have Pennsylvania wood cockroaches crawl under siding; especially homes with cedar shake shingles. They may also be found in rain gutters of homes in or near woodlands.
- Inside, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches do not congregate in any specific area as other species of cockroaches do. (ie: under sinks, in basements, etc.) Pennsylvania wood cockroaches will wander throughout your home.
WHAT DO PENNSYLVANIA WOOD COCKROACHES LOOK LIKE?
- Adult males are approximately 1” in length
- Adult females are slightly smaller and wider, growing to about ¾” in length
- Adults are a dark, chestnut brown; with a lighter, whitish-yellow border around the sides of the thorax.
- Adult males have wings, which are longer than their abdomen. Male Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are good fliers and fly swiftly but not for long periods.
- Adult females have conspicuous wing pads which cover one-third to two-thirds of their abdomen. Female Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are not capable of flight.
ARE PENNSYLVANIA WOOD COCKROACHES DANGEROUS?
No, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are not dangerous. They are not known to carry any diseases.
HOW DID PENNSYLVANIA WOOD COCKROACHES GET INSIDE MY HOME?
- Pennsylvania wood cockroaches most often find their way indoors in firewood.
- They are attracted to lights at night and may gain entry through cracks and gaps around doors and windows, torn screens, and under doors.
HOW CAN I PREVENT PENNSYLVANIA WOOD COCKROACHES FROM INFESTING MY HOME OR BUSINESS?
- Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are most often carried into homes in firewood. Inspect firewood for all types of pests before bringing it indoors.
- Store firewood away from the house.
- Inspect the exterior of your home and seal cracks or crevices in the foundation or walls.
- Use window screening and install door sweeps under all doors.
- A wide lawn between heavily wooded areas and your home can limit Pennsylvania wood cockroaches crawling from the surrounding woods to your building.
WHAT DO PENNSYLVANIA WOOD COCKROACHES EAT?
Pennsylvania wood cockroaches feed primarily on decaying organic matter, but they have been observed feeding on live and dead insects, mushrooms, sap, and feces.
WHAT IS THE LIFECYCLE OF PENNSYLVANIA WOOD COCKROACHES?
- The Pennsylvania wood cockroach has three developmental stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
- The mating season for Pennsylvania wood cockroaches is in May and June.
- Eggs are laid in egg capsules or oothecae and deposited behind the loose bark of dead trees and fallen logs, or under cedar shingles.
- The egg stage lasts about 32 days.
- The nymphal stage typically lasts 10 to 12 months but can last up to 2 years depending on temperature and other environmental conditions.
- The normal lifespan of the female adult Pennsylvania wood cockroach is several months.